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Historical Sketch 

of- 

St. Aloysius Parish 

POTTSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA 


W ritten for the Fiftieth Anniversary of 
the D e di cation of the Old Church 


BY 

WILLIAM BISHOP SCHUYLER 
1906 


















LIBRARY of CONGRESS 


Two Copies Received 

JUN 14 1906 


"\ Copyright Entry 

/<SO (o 

'CLASS V XXc. No, 



Copyright 

1906 

BY W. B. SCHUYLER 


< l 

< t't 



TIMES PRINTING HOUSE, NORRISTOWN, PA. 





Most Rev. Patrick S. Ryan, D. D., 


L. L. D 












INTRODUCTION 


The aim of this sketch is to present some facts about 
the planting and growth of Catholicity in Pottstown. The 
treatment is necessarily from a layman’s point of view. 
Much more could be said about the leaders of the people. 
The clergy, on account of their high position, are better 
known than the laity, and information relating to the 
priests can be obtained elsewhere by those who wish, but 
there is danger of losing all record of the rank and file of 
the faithful unless they are remembered in a book like this. 
How much does the present generation know about the 
early congregation? When the ones that were acquainted 
with those early Catholics are, in the course of natural events, 
removed from this earth, it is to be hoped that in these 
pages will be found some memorials of those people who 
laid the foundation of the blessings we now enjoy. 

This book is not a complete history. It contains 
merely some of the raw material which may recall to the 
older parishioners other facts relating to the past. In the 
first part the attempt is made to give some idea of the 
development of Catholicity from the missionary period of 
this section when the faithful w^ere few in number, to the 
present time, when the ministrations of our religion are ob¬ 
tained with comparative ease. In the last part is a record 
of events you are more familiar with, which will be more 
interesting to future generations. 

For information I have drawn upon the memories of 
those who have lived here before and since the parish was 




5 

founded. I record with pleasure my obligation to the fol¬ 
lowing: My Mother; Mrs. Daniel Healy; Annie C. Hof- 

man; Joseph M. Yohn; Jacob M. Yohn; Patrick Dunn; 
Frank Ziegler; A. K. Shaner; John Foreman; Thomas E. 
Mullen, of Phoenixville: Mrs. Kate Rigney and several 
others. 

The following are some of those who gave kind as¬ 
sistance in procuring data: Rev. Edward J. Curran; Geo. 
N. Malsberger; Mrs. M. A. Rehill; Frank Missimer; J. 
Allen Healy. 

The authorities quoted are: Shea’s History of the 
Catholic Church in America; Pennsylvania Archives; 
Goshenhoppen Sacramental Register; Sacramental Reg¬ 
ister of St. Aloysius’ Church; History of St. Charles’ Theo¬ 
logical Seminary; History of Pottstown, written in 1876, 
by L. H. Davis; Record of the descendants of Anna Maria 
Jones, extracts of which were kindly furnished by Mrs. 
Margaret R. Knipe. 

W. B. S 

Pottstown, May 21, 1906. 



CHAPTER I. 


PIONEERS 


Those who attended the old St. Aloysius Church, re* 
member a plain, gray, plaster-covered building, its right 
wall and roof touched by the branches of a weeping willow 
tree. 

It is fitting that this sketch begin with the time before 
that church was built, when our forefathers, who, believ¬ 
ing that the Church provided certain means of grace with¬ 
out which they could not be saved, underwent many in¬ 
conveniences in order to practice their religion. 

In 1808, when the diocese of Philadelphia was organ¬ 
ized, the Catholic Church nearest to Pottstown, named 
Pottsgrove at that time, was at Goshenhoppen, now Bally. 
This church was thirteen miles distant. It was then a 
Jesuit mission. To hear Mass and receive the Sacraments, 
the small number of Catholics in this vicinity, therefore, 
journeyed thirteen miles. 

Our town, at that time, was a hamlet of about forty 
dwellings. It had two places of worship, the Old Brick 
Church and the Friends’ Meeting House. 1 

The principal Catholics residing hereabouts were two 
sisters, Mrs. Anne Maria Jones and Mrs. Catherine Mals- 
berger, and their families. These two women were daugh¬ 
ters of Melchior Schoener, or Shaner, a German, who 
came here in 1742. 2 

See pages 62, 63 and 64 for notes. 





8 


Mrs. Jones was a woman of affairs and business abil¬ 
ity. She owned considerable property about town. On a 
lot with a frontage of about 150 feet, on High street, lo¬ 
cated about the site of Van Buskirk’s store, were several 
buildings, including her dwelling house, dry goods and 
grocery store and a tavern. A tract of land north of Beech 
street was also her property. 3 

Mrs. Jones' tenacity to her faith was conspicuous to 
non-Catholics. From one outside of the Church I learned 
that, in spite of the fact that her children married Protest¬ 
ants, she looked carefully after the faith of her grandchil¬ 
dren. Of this one example can be given. The late Fred¬ 
rick S. Missimer, a son of her daughter Anna, was one of 
the most prominent of those who built the first church. 
This daughter, Anna, taught Catechism to the Catholic 
children, in her house, on High street, later occupied by 
this son. 

Mrs. Jones Avas born May 22, 1753; was married three 
times. When quite young she became the wife of George 
Leaf, an Englishman, whose death occurred during the 
early part of the Revolution. Her second husband was 
Englebert Mintzer, this marriage taking place about 1779. 
This man died February 24, 1791. Amos Jones subse¬ 
quently became the third husband. 4 

Six children were the result of these three marriages. 
By the first union there were two children—George Leaf 
and Catherine Leaf, who married Frederick Smith. By 
the second marriage there were two sons and a daughter, 
the sons being William Mintzer and Joseph Mintzer, who 
died in 1812, and was buried on his mother’s property, 
north of Pottsgrove. The daughter, by the Mintzer mar¬ 
riage, was Anna, or Nancy, who married Henry Missimer. 
As a result of the marriage with Amos Jones one daughter 
was born, Sarah Jones, who married Benjamin Johnson. 


9 


Mrs. Jones died November 13, 1813, and was interred 
near the body of her son, Joseph. Her will, which was 
probated November 17, 1813, contained a clause which 
established the first Catholic place for interment. It pro¬ 
vided for a “reserving about half an acre for a burial 
ground, being that part of the ground where Joseph Mint- 
zer was buried, with liberty to pass and to go to and from 
the same at all times either to bury others and to see the 
graves of those who may be buried there.” s 

This plot of ground was located at what is now the 
intersection of Evans street and Lincoln avenue. Neither 
street existed at the time the graveyard was established. 
Access was had by a right of way through the farm, be¬ 
tween the graveyard and the Swamp road, now Charlotte 
street. 6 

This burial ground, as every one knows, has recently 
been sold, and several houses are already standing where 
once were interred the remains of the early Catholics, 
which have been transferred to other cemeteries. 

After the new St. Alovsius Cemetery was laid out, the 
body of Mrs. Jones was transferred by her grandson, Fred¬ 
erick S. Missimer, to his lot, where you can read, on the 
old-time tombstone of table shape, the following: 

ANNA MARIA JONES, 

Died Nov. 13, 1813, 

Aged 60 years, 5 months and 20 days. 

The life of Catherine was not so varied. She became 
the wife of Jacob Malsberger, 7 previous to the marriage of 
her sister, Anna. At the baptism of the Malsbergers’ first¬ 
born child, Jacob, in 1768, at Goshenhoppen, Anna M. 
Schoner was the god-mother. To the Malsbergers nine 
children were born. Two died young, five removed to 


10 


other places. Two stayed in this vicinity, Elizabeth, who 
remained unmarried, and Jacob, 2d, whose descendants 
here are very numerous. 8 

The farm upon which the Malsbergers lived was situ¬ 
ated along the Swamp road. I have not been able to ascer¬ 
tain the location with certainty. The southern boundary 
seems to agree with an old property line followed now by 
Jefferson avenue, while there is also a tradition in the 
Malsberger family that he owned land around the Ringing 
Rocks. 9 

Jacob Malsberger prospered in worldly affairs as his 
family increased. In 1769 he owned 140 acres of land in 
New Hanover township. 10 In 1774 his farm had increased 
to 180 acres.” In 1780 he paid a state tax on a valuation 
of 4800 pounds. 12 At the time of his death, in 1805, his 
property comprised about 240 acres. 13 

He was buried in the church-yard at Goshenhoppen. 
His widow survived him several years. She was interred 
in the Mintzer burial ground. 

Jacob Malsberger, 2d, married Mary Kihn, or Keene, 
whom he met at his sister's home, in Conewago. 14 He 
brought his wife to his farm, comprising land along the 
Swamp roacl, at the present northern boundary of Potts- 
town. Their house stood near the site of the power house 
of the Pottstown & Northern Railway. The following 
children were born to them: Joseph, married Judith Det- 
wiler; John, born 1798, married Mary Mauger; Aaron, 
born 1801, died 1846, married Elizabeth McCoy. (They 
lived in the house on King street, on the property recently 
purchased for an armory. Mass was said in this house.) 
George, married Rebecca Ruth; Mary, married George 
Sterling; Sarah, born 1815, married John Yohn; Cather¬ 
ine, married Isaac Smith. Except Mary, all of these chil¬ 
dren married non-Catholics. As a result of these marriages, 


II 


over thirty children were born, many of whom are still 
living. 


GOSHENHOPPEN 

Before continuing this narrative, let us go back to 
the founding of the church attended by these pioneer 
Catholics. 

We will first consult a reference in an article written 
during the life of these people. Right Rev. John Carrol, 
in his report of the “Condition of the Church in America,” 
made, under direction of the Propaganda, when he was ap¬ 
pointed Prefect Apostolic, gives the following account of 
the church at Goshenhoppen : IS 

In 1741 two German Jesuits were sent to Pennsylva¬ 
nia for the instruction and conversion of German emi¬ 
grants, who, from many parts of Germany, had come into 
that province.” He tells us that these missionaries were 
Fr. Schneider, from Bavaria, and Fr. Wapeler, from the 
lower Rhine. 

He tells us further that Rev. Theodore Schneider 
“formed many congregations in Pennsylvania, built by his 
activity and energy, a noble church at Goshenhoppen and 
spread the faith of Christ far and near.” The other priest, 
Rev. William Wapeler established a mission at Conewago. 

In regard to the founding of the Goshenhoppen 
Church, Dr. Shea tells us that: “In February, 1743, 
Father Schneider came to Goshenhoppen, where he pur¬ 
chased land of a Beidler, a Mennonist, who had fallen out 
with the Brotherhood, and to mortify them sold his prop¬ 
erty to a Catholic priest. At the last moment he demand¬ 
ed security, but Father Schneider at once handed over the 
full amount and took the deed.” 

Father Schneider labored at Goshenhoppen and its 
missions for 21 years, until his death, in 1764. He was 


12 


succeeded by Rev. John Baptist Ritter, also a Jesuit, who 
remained in charge until 1785. 

The Sacramental register of Goshenhoppen, begun 
by Fr. Schneider, contains the names of many of the pio¬ 
neer Catholics of this vicinity. 16 For over seventy-five 
years these people looked for spiritual matters to the Jesuit 
mission, 13 miles distant, to which they even carried their 
children for baptism. The following children of Jacob 
and Catherine Malsberger were baptized at Goshenhoppen 
by Father Ritter: 

JACOB MALSBERGER, born June 2, 1768, baptized June 26, 
1768. 

CATHERINE MALSBERGER, born June 28, 1771, baptized 
July 28, 1771. 

JOHN MALSBERGER, born April 9, 1774, baptized May 22, 
1774. (Died young.) 

JOHN GEORGE MALSBERGER, born June 28, 1776, baptized 
August 11, 1776. (Died young.) 

SUSANNA MALSBERGER, born September 21, 1779, baptized 
November 1, 1779. 

MARGARET MALSBERGER, born May 15, 1782, baptized 
June 23, 1782. 

The churchyard at Bally also furnishes testimony 
that the early Catholics of this vicinity were identified with 
that Jesuit mission. We will find there the graves of several 
Malsbergers. Among the number is the previously men¬ 
tioned Jacob Malsberger. 

It is difficult to realize the adverse circumstances 
under which these pioneer Catholics practiced their faith. 
Outside of their families the associations were non-Catho- 
lic. This church was at a distance. Attendance at Mass 
and reception of the Sacraments was not often. All the 
children of Jacob, 2d, married non-Catholics except one. 
Sometimes the Catholics attended reformed services in the 
Old Brick Church, Hanover and Walnut streets. 17 

In spite of these difficulties, there were some instances 
of piety. The wife of Jacob Malsberger, 2d, is a good ex- 


ample of strong faith. Her often expressed wish was to 
be buried in the churchyard at Goshenhoppen, giving as 
her reason that she got tired many times from walking to 
the church, and, after her death, she wanted her body to 
lie near the altar from which the Holy Sacrifice was of¬ 
fered. One is not so soon forgotten when buried near 
the church. 

For several years after the diocese was organized, 
Catholics here continued to receive the ministrations of 
the priests at Goshenhoppen. Rev. Aug. Bally, S. J., oc¬ 
casionally said Mass in the houses of Aaron Malsberger; 
his sister, Mrs. John Yohn; and Mrs. Henry Missimer. 18 



Rev. Augustin J. Bally. S. J. Born March 8. 1806 ; died Jan. 30. 1832. 
(Courtesy of the American Catholic Historical Society. Philadelphia. Pa ) 










CHAPTER II. 


Increase of Catholicity 

When commercial activity commenced, other Catho¬ 
lics were brought here. Irish representatives of our faith 
came to mingle with the descendants of the German emi¬ 
grants. In the construction of the canal of the Schuylkill 
Navigation Company, which was chartered February 13, 
1810, several of the workmen were Catholics. 

Tradition tells us, some of them, dying of fever and 
ague contracted from the damp earth in which they 
worked, were interred in the Mintzer burial ground. 

Of more permanent advantage to our faith was the 
operation of the canal. A number of the boatmen were 
Catholics, who, in the winter time, lived near Port Union, 
across the river from Douglassville. As they prospered 
they bought farms in that vicinity and established their 
homes there. The first Catholic settler was Henry Flan¬ 
nery, a contractor, who was followed by Matthew Ryan 
and his wife. Then came the following: 

Michael Gillen, Thomas Gunson, John Hannigan, James Healy, 
Daniel Healy, Timothy Lyons, Patrick Moloney, Michael Ryan, John 
Ryan, James Bradley. 

Every three months Mass was said at Port Union, 
principally by Father Bally. On the Sunday that this 
priest came, these boatmen and their families assembled 
for Mass in the Black Bear Hotel, conducted by Matthew 
Ryan. 1 


i6 

After a few years these good people provided a chapel 
for themselves. Henry Flannery, who owned the farm 
now occupied by his son, D. K. Flannery, donated land 
fronting on the south side of the Schuylkill road. Upon 
this site the chapel of St. Paul was built by subscription of 
the boatmen. In 1846 the church was dedicated, Father 
Bally celebrating the first Mass. 

On the front page of the book in which the register 
of baptisms is recorded, is the following inscription, neatly 
printed: 

BAPTISM REGISTER 
of St. Paul’s Church, 

Union Township, 

Berks County, 

Penna. 

June 29th, 1846. 

The signature of Rev. F. M. Lucas, S. J., is at the bot¬ 
tom of the first record, June 28, 1846. After this are rec¬ 
ords of 30 baptisms, until the first resident pastor of 
Pottstown attended Douglassville, as follows: 

By Rev. Aug. Ballv, S. J. 3 baptisms 

“ “ R. O’Farrel,. 24 

“ “ McArdle . 1 

“ “ P. I. Neumann. 2 “ 

In 1815, our town received a borough charter, and 
the name was changed from Pottsgrove to Pottstown. 
The town extended from the Schuylkill river north to 
Beech street, and from the Manatawny Creek east to 
Adams street. The area was about 270 acres. 

In 1826 the population was about 650, and the town 
had 120 dwellings. 

On December 9, 1839, the first train passed over the • 
Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. 






17 


In 1840 the population of Pottstown was 721. 

With the building of the railroad the old era of inac¬ 
tion was over. Modern progress was felt in Pottstown. 
Had the railroad not passed through our town, it would 
still be a country village. The few Catholics would be 
going to Goshenhoppen to Mass, after the manner of past 
generations. In the first ninety years of our borough’s ex¬ 
istence the population had become only about seven hun¬ 
dred, and the Catholics were, with a few exceptions, de¬ 
scendants of the German emigrants, who came in the in¬ 
fancy of our town. I11 the new order of things the Catho¬ 
lic population was leavened with and stimulated by natives 
of Ireland, who came to Pottstown to work for the rail¬ 
road company. 

In 1844 the shops for the maintenance of the railroad 
were located here. 2 Pottstown was then the centre from 
which the supplies for the railroad were distributed. The 
departments here were the carpenter shop, on South 
street, now occupied by the March, Brownback Company; 
the machine shop, on the site of the freight house; the 
blacksmith shop, replaced by the Swift Company building; 
the woodyard, material yard, pumping station and offices 
of the officials, such as John Osborn, chief engineer; his 
brother, Richard, assistant engineer; and others, including 
J. Dutton Steele, William H. Bines, John C. DaCosta. 
George Rice and C. W. Bucholtz. 

After the parish of Phoenixville was organized and a 
resident pastor stationed there, Pottstown was made a mis¬ 
sion of that place. Father O’Farrel, or his assistant, Fa¬ 
ther Quinn, came to Pottstown on an occasional Sunday 
and said Mass and administered the Sacraments in dwell¬ 
ings. About once every three months these visitations 
took place, and the Catholics gathered to assist at the 
Holy Sacrifice in the homes of either Frederick S. Missi- 



HOUSE OF AARON MALSBERGER 


house of Anthony Dunn 

ON THE LEFT 

HOUSE OF DANIEL BURKE 

ON.THE RIGHT 




HOUSE OF vJAMES WOODS 


Houses in Pottstown where Mass was Said Before the Church was Built 






19 

mer, James Woods, Daniel Burke, Michael Dunn, An¬ 
thony Dunn, John Donnelly 4 and John Kelly. On these 
occasions the Sacraments of Baptism, Penance, Holy Eu¬ 
charist and Matrimony were administered. 

The old custom of going to Goshenhoppen for Mass 
was still continued by some. After the chapel at Douglass- 
ville was built, the Potstown Catholics profited by the 
visits of priests to that place. When a priest was expected 
at Douglassville, word was sent to Pottstown, and early 
Sunday morning witnessed the movement of the faithful 
to Douglassville. Some of the railroaders took their 
families on trucks, or “manual levers;” others walked or 
went by carriage. 5 




I 


% 



The Old Church 















CHAPTER III. 


The First Catholic Church 


As early as 1846, some Catholic minds received the 
idea of a church in Pottstown. In a deed dated August 11, 
1846, by which Dr. George VanBuskirk conveyed to Rob¬ 
ert Gue two adjoining lots in Pottsgrove Township, east 
of the present church property, the following reference is 
made to the ground subsequently occupied by our church: 

“Beginning in the line of Beech street at a corner of 
Lot No. 2, intended to be conveyed to the Catholic So¬ 
ciety of Pottstown.” 

On Sept. 14, 1846, Geo. VanBuskirk conveyed to Rt 
Rev. Francis P. Kenrick, head of this diocese, the tract 
of land on the north side of Beech street, at the junction of 
Hanover street. 

The ground was just outside the northern border 
of Pottstown, Beech street. Evidently the low price was 
the reason that induced the Catholic Society to choose 
ground outside of the borough limits. 

About ten years after the location here of the rail¬ 
road shops, the movement for the building of a Catholic 
Church was begun. A regular parish was formed and thus 
one more unit was added to the Philadelphia Diocese. The 
consent of Bishop Neumann was obtained. Under the 
direction of Father O’Farrel the people set to work. 

Rev. Philip O’Farrel, to whom is due the credit of in¬ 
spiring the undertaking, was ordained December 24, 1843. 



23 


He was appointed to Phoenixville in 1846, at the age of 
34. He died in 1869, and at the time of his death was one 
of the Bishop’s counsellors. 6 

CONGREGATION THAT BUILT THE FIRST CHURCH 

The following list of the Pottstown Catholics, in 1854, 
is based upon the record of subscriptions to the building 
fund, found among the papers of F. S. Missimer, de¬ 
ceased. 

The information in regard to the occupations was ob¬ 
tained, principally, from Mr. John Foreman, (non-Catho- 
lic), who came to Pottstown when the railroad shops were 
established, and for over fifty years was associated with the 
railroad. 

To Mr. Patrick Dunn and Mr. Jacob Yohn I am also 
indebted for much information regarding the occupations 
of their fellow-railroaders. It will be noticed that the ma¬ 
jority were employed in the railroad yard. They per¬ 
formed the various duties necessary in storing and distrib¬ 
uting the material needed for the repairs of the road. 

As far as is known, the congregation was as follows: 

JOHN A. ANDRE came to Pottstown from Goshenhoppen, hav¬ 
ing been encouraged by Father Bally. Mr. Andre was apprenticed to 
Wm. Leh, a watchmaker and dentist, whose place of business is now 
H. A. Custer’s store on High street. Leh later sold out his business 
to Andre, after the latter had finished his apprenticeship. 

Mr. Andre was a musician of local note. He was the first organ¬ 
ist and choir leader in St. Aloysius Church, serving in that capacity 
for many years. 

PATRICK ARMSTRONG, a blacksmith for the railroad. 

PHILIP BRADY, employed in the railroad yard. 

MICHAEL BROWN, railroad carpenter. 

DANIEL BRIEN, employed on the material train. Married 
Margaret Crowley, April 30, 1854. 

JOHN BLAKE, railroad employe. 

DANIEL BURKE, employed on material train. Mass was said 
in his house. 

JAMES CLARK, employed in railroad yard. 



24 


PATRICK DELANEY, employed in railroad yard. 

JAMES DOWNEY, supervisor on section of railroad between 
Pottstown and Phoenixvilie. 

The four brothers: 

ANTHONY DUNN, carpenter for railroad, brought his family 
from Ireland about 1844. Lived on Charlotte street. Mass was said 
in his house. His wife made the altar breads consecrated at the 
Masses in private houses, and after the church was built until the 
time of Father Sorrenteni. 

JOSEPH DUNN, blacksmith-helper in railroad shop. 

JOHN DUNN, repairman on railroad. 

MICHAEL DUNN, night watchman in railroad shops, came 
from Ireland with his family. Mass was said in his house. 

PATRICK DUNN, locomotive fireman, son of Michael Dunn, 
married Catharine McKenna. June 17, 1855, in James Wood’s house. 

JEFFREY FANNIN, laborer employed by Mr. Missimer on the 
sill train. 

JOHN FULLEN, kept a hotel on the site now occupied by the 
cold storage plant. 

PETER GARVEY, employed in the railroad yard. 

MICPIAEL GANNON, operated the engine for pumping water 
for the locomotives. 

JAMES GRACE, employed by Mr. Missimer on the sill train. 

JAMES GREEN, placed switches for the railroad. 

ROBERT GUE, a contractor, came here with his family and 
built a house on land near the Ringing Rocks. He was one of the 
prime movers in building the chu«'ch. 

JOHN HERD, employed by Mr. Missimer on the sill train. 

P. HERD, repairsman on the railroad. 

PATRICK HIGGINS, employed in the railroad yard. 

DR. MICHAEL J. HOFMAN was a prominent citizen as well 
as physician. From his daughter, Annie C. Hofman, the following 
particulars about his life have been obtained: 

He was born July 4. 1802, in Bitthardt by Wurtzburg, Bavaria. 
His father was Dr. John George Hofman, whose father and grand¬ 
father were also physicians. Thus the subject of this sketch was the 
fourth in the line of descent in the medical profession. The family 
was a good Catholic one. Michael was graduated from the Univer¬ 
sity of Wurtzburg before he was eighteen, and then entered Heidel¬ 
berg University, from which he received the degree of M.D. At the 
age of twenty-one years he entered the French Army as a surgeon, 
going with the army to Africa, where he spent thirteen years in the 
service. On account of his ability and bravery he was advanced to 
the position of Second Surgeon-general of the French Army in 


2 ? 


Africa. In 1836 he resigned and, after visiting his home in Germany, 
set sail for America, arriving in New York, October 28, 1836.. He 
went to Philadelphia, and then came to Pottstown, where he settled 
and was afterward married. 

Doctor Hofman always took a deep interest in the affairs of the 
town. He was among the number who foresaw the development in 
store for Pottstown. In 1853 he was elected a member of town coun¬ 
cil. and as a member of the street committee insisted upon cutting 
down and filling up streets, in spite of strong opposition. Through 
his energy many other improvements were made. 

His strength of character was evidenced in the practice of his 
religion. Although his wife was a non-Catholic, their two daughters 
became devout Catholics. 

PATRICK HOOLIPIAN, employed on the ballast train. 

PATRICK KENNEDY, worked for Dr. Meigs at the Hill 
School and other places around town. 

DAVID KENNEDY, watchman at Hanover street. 

JOHN KELLY, employed as carpenter on railroad. Mass was 
said in his house. 

JOHN KEHOUGH, repairsman on railroad. 

PATRICK LEVAY, a fireman; married Helen Kennedy, De¬ 
cember 25, 1855. Killed on the railroad. 

ANDREW LONERGAN, repairman on railroad. 

MICHAEL LONERGAN, employed in railroad yard. 

PETER MARA, employed in railroad yard. 

FRANK McGIRK, employed as railroad carpenter. 

PATRICK McCLOSKEY, employed in railroad yard. 

PHILIP MURPHY, employed by Mr. Missimer on the sill 
train. 

JOHN MURPHY, night watchman at railroad station, and then 
succeeded Fullen in the hotel business. 

FREDERICK S. MISSIMER, a grandson of Mrs. Anna Maria 
Jones, and son of Mrs. Anna Missimer, who taught Sunday school 
at her home. 

Mr. Missimer was a carpenter by trade. After the railroad was 
built he had charge of the sill train, making trips on the railroad to 
buy sills from the farmers and lumber men. 

When Father O’Farrel began the movement for a church in 
Pottstown, Mr. Missimer acted as treasurer of the building fund. 
Mass was said in his residence quite often. The house is now occu¬ 
pied by his son, Frank Missimer. 

JOHN PEYTON, railroad carpenter; married Kate, daughter of 
Anthony Dunn. 

EDWARD RAIDY, employed in the railroad yard. 


26 


JOHN SELINGER came from Germany and engaged in the 
restaurant business. He was a singer in the choir. 

JOHN SHERIDAN, repairsman on the railroad. 

JOHN B. SNYDER came from Goshenhoppen. He was a jew¬ 
eler and watchmaker, having his place of business in the store occu¬ 
pied by W. I. Hartenstine. 

PETER TIGHE was one of the first Catholics brought here to 
work on the railroad, helping in its construction. 

JOHN B. WELSH was a rigger in the shops of the railroad, 
supplying tackle of all kinds and hose for the water stations. On 
August 31, 1851, he was married to Bridget Crowley in the house of 
Daniel Burke, by Rev. Philip O’Farrel. 

This is the first marriage recorded in the register, having been 
transferred from the Phoenixville register by Father Cook. 

JAMES WOODS, employed by the railroad to run a stationary 
engine in the carpenter shop. He married Elizabeth Silver, who lived 
with the Gue family on Ringing Hill. In his residence, South Char¬ 
lotte street, Mass was said frequently. He was a teacher in the Sun¬ 
day school after the building of the church. 

MRS. JOHN YOHN, whose husband established the carriage 
works now conducted by his sons, Joseph and Jacob. 

John Yohn, although a non-Catholic, was one of the committee 
of three appointed to solicit subscriptions for the building of the 
church. He became a Catholic in 1883, about six months before his 
death. 

After the completion of the church, Mrs. Yohn took care of the 
altar. 

CATHARINE ZIEGLER, a widow who earned her living work¬ 
ing by the day in the homes around town. She was the mother of 
Frank Ziegler. 

CONTRIBUTORS TO BUILDING FUND OF OLD CHURCH 

The original subscription book, dated 1854, found by 
Mr. Frank Missimer, in his father’s desk, has been placed 
at my disposal. On the first page is the following appeal 
for funds: 

‘‘We, the undersigned Inhabitants of the Borough of Pottstown, 
do authorize Mr. F. S. Missimer, the bearer of this, to collect such 
monies as the Charitable and well-disposed People may feel willing 
to Contribute towards the Erection of a Roman Catholic Church in 



Original Appeal for Subscriptions 







28 


our Borough. Our Roman Catholic Inhabitants have till now been 
deprived of a place of divine worship of their own. They intend now 
to erect one if they can obtain the funds, and, therefore, will feel 
gratefully obliged to all Such as will Contribute their Mite toward 
the erection of the same. 

“F. S. MISSIMER, 
“JOHN YOHN, 
“JAMES WOODS.” 


After this appeal follow the names of the subscribers, 
which are herewith given as they appear in the book, ex¬ 
cept for the omission of the marks “pd” and in connec¬ 
tion with the names. The names are spelled exactly as 
in the original book. The list is as follows: 


Peter Tighe .$30 00 

James Woods . 25 00 

John Walsh . 25 00 

James Green . 25 00 

John Murphy . 25 00 

John Kelly . 25 00 

Michael Gannon .25 00 

F. S. Missimer . 25 00 

Michael Brown . 20 00 

Anthony Dun ........ 15 00 

Pat. Armstrong . 20 00 

James Grace . 15 00 

Peter Garvey . 10 00 

Daniel Brine . 10 00 

Jeffrey Fannin. 10 00 

Joseph Dunn . 10 00 

Patrick Delaney . 10 00 

Andrew Lonagan .... 10 00 

John Dunn . 10 00 

Frank McGirk . 5 00 

David Kennedy . 5 00 

Allen Roberts . 5 00 

Edward Rady . 5 00 

John Herd . 5 00 

Patrick Levay . 5 00 

Philip Murphy . 5 00 

John Ryne . 20 00 

S. A. Stout . 5 00 

James Rittenhouse ... 20 00 

Jesse R. Casselberry. . 5 00 

J. Dutton Steele . 10 00 

A. Evans . 5 00 

Patrick Kennedy . 5 00 

Patrick Hollahand ... 5 00 


Alexander Malsberger 5 00 


John Foreman . 5 00 

Bowyer Brooke. 10 00 

J. D. Streeper . 5 00 

Jos. E. Yeager . 5 00 

Geist & Kulp . 5 00 

Levi E. Kinzer . 5 00 

Robert Gue . 10 00 

John B. Powell . 5 00 

Dr. M. J. Hoffman ... 50 00 

E. Ellicott . 5 00 

M. D. Evans . 5 00 

Umstead Wells . 5 00 

P. Herd . 5 00 

Daniel Burk . 10 00 

H. F. Yohn . 5 00 

John Selinger . 5 00 

Patrick Gray . 22 00 

G. Hine . 5 00 

C. Zeigler . 10 00 

Michael Dunn . 7 00 

John Beatty . 5 00 

John A. Andre . 10 00 

Abr. Gulden . 5 00 

Henry Flannery . 10 00 

Patrick Malone .5 00 

James Haley . 5 00 

Thomas Gunson . 5 00 

John Henigan . 5 00 

Michael Gillen . 5 00 

Edward Towel . 5 00 

John B. Snyder . 5 00 

John Blake . 7 00 






























































29 


In the back of the book is the following list, entitled 
“First for Church,” evidently an account of money collect¬ 
ed on account and from railroad men. who save donations 


to the bearer of the book. 

Thomas Fannen .$i oo 

Michael Ryan . 2 oo 

James Bradley . 1 00 

Daniel Haley . 2 00 

Timothy Lyons . 2 00 

Wm. O’Brien .1 00 

Mrs. Ann Ryan . 2 00 

Joseph Clark . 1 00 

John Ryan . 1 00 

Henry Flannery .2 00 

Mrs. Monahan . 2 00 

Patrick Dun . 4 00 

Michael Lonagan .3 00 

Aaron Schwenk . 3 00 

James Clark . 2 50 

Timothy Horn . 2 50 

Thomas Smith . 2 50 

Matthew . 2 50 

Elizabeth McGrady ... 1 00 

John Watson . 5 00 

Peter Myers . 5 00 

James Downey . 5 00 

Albert Malsberger .... 3 00 

James Large ... 2 50 

Hiram Feger . 2 00 

David Warley .1 00 

Amos Reifsnyder . 2 00 

Samuel Lightcap . 2 00 

John Schweinhart .2 00 

H. B. Smull .i 00 


Patrick Higgins . 1 00 

Patrick McCloskey .... 1 00 
Name almost erased ... 2 00 
Name almost erased ... 2 00 
Name almost erased ... 5 

E. Shenk . 3 

Tohn Fullen . 2 

Dr. Tobias . 2 

John Malsberger . 2 

Jacob Malsberger . 5 

Englebert Hanley . 1 

James Linch . 1 

E. J. Weidner .2 

A. L. Custer . 2 

John Sheridan . I 

John Flanigan . I 

John Kahough . 1 

James Commiskey .... 1 

Hugh Farley . 1 

Hugh Graben . 1 

Michael Ban . 1 

Pat McKeon . 1 

Henry Engle . 1 

Philip Brady . 5 

Pat Bridgen . 5 

John Paten . 5 

Thomas Horn . 5 00 

Wm. Forrest . 5 00 

Levi Mock . 2 50 

Pe*er Marra . 5 00 


Following is a copy of another page in the book: 


Monies Collected for Church 

Laying of Corner Stone. $24 00 

From Rev. P. O’Farrel. 50 00 

John Watson . 24 00 

Collected at Church. 13 61 

From Rev. M. Neuman. 200 00 

Collected at Dedication. 60 00 

From Rev. P. O’Farrel. 50 00 

From James Downey. 11 00 

On the opposite page is the following: 

Paid to Davis & Co., by Father O’Farrel-$97 74 


8888888888808808880888 




























































30 


At the top of another page is the date 1854. Then 
appear the same items as above and the following addition: 

John Yohn . $40 00 

Many of the contributors named in the foregoing list 
were non-Catholics, among whom were the following: 

S. A. STOUT, superintendent of railroad. 

J. DUTTON STEELE, chief engineer of railroad; succeeded Mr. 
Osborne about 1848. 

JOHN WATSON, track supervisor between Pottstown and 
Phoenixville. 

PETER MYERS, employed in Potts rolling mill. 

H. F. YOHN, conducted the “Farmers’ Hotel,” now the “Shuler 
House.” 

ABR. GULDIN, kept the “Pottstown Hotel,” now “The Mer¬ 
chants’.” 

JOHN BEATTY, proprietor of the axe factory on-site of Miller 
& Griess’ flour mill. 

J. D. STREEPER, proprietor of The Montgomery Ledger. 

GEIST & KULP, dealers in hardware; store now M. W. Baily’s. 

LEVI E. KINZER, coal business; now Fegely’s. 

UMSTEAD WELLS, dealer in dry goods and groceries in store 
now occupied by the Boston Clothing Store. 

M. D. EVANS, taught school before studying law. 

JOHN B. POWELL, watchmaker and jeweler; store now occu¬ 
pied by W. I. Hartenstine. 

A. L. CUSTER, post office and stationery store. 

JESSE R. CASSELBERRY, butcher; afterwards became a phy¬ 
sician. 

A. EVANS, book store. 

JAMES RITTENHOUSE, retired. 

AMOS REIFSNYDER, dealer in flour and feed. 

DR. TOBIAS, kept a drug store in a frame building on site now 
occupied by Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart. 

HENRY ENGLE, hatter. 

JOHN FOREMAN, foreman of P. & R. carpenter shop. 

JOSEPH E. YEAGER, foreman of P. & R. blacksmith shop. 

BOWYER BROOKE, superintendent of P. & R. yard from 
which material was distributed. 

DAVID WARLEY, locomotive engineer. 

SAMUEL LIGHTCAP, locomotive engineer. 

JOHN SCHWEINHART, locomotive engineer. 

ALEXANDER MALSBERGER, locomotive engineer. 

ALBERT MALSBERGER, locomotive engineer. 



3i 

CORNER-STONE LAYING 

The cellar-digging and foundation work were done 
without pay by members of the congregation. 1 The men 
worked in the evening, continuing their labor by lantern 
light after dark. 

In the summer of 1854 the corner-stone was laid. 
Forty-four years after this event the stone was removed 
when the old church was torn down. 2 

A tin box inside contained the following papers: 

Boston Pilot, of Saturday, June 17, 1854. 

New York Herald, Friday, June 30, 1854. 

The Catholic Instructor, Philadelphia, Saturday, 
July 29, 1854. 

The Pennsylvanian, Friday, August 4, 1854, and an¬ 
other newspaper, badly decayed. 

The Catholic Instructor is especially interesting be¬ 
cause it contained an announcement of the corner-stone 
laying, as follows: 

Pottstown, New Church.—We learn 
that the corner-stone of a new church is 
to be laid on Sunday next, 30th inst., 
at Pottstown. The Very Rev. Edw. 

J. Sourin, V. G., will officiate on the 
occasion. To the zeal of the Rev¬ 
erend Philip O’Farrell, of Phoenixville, 
the Catholics of this district are mainly 
indebted for the commencement of this 
new temple for the worship of the Liv¬ 
ing God. 

This is the third church which has 
been commenced under the auspices of 
the Rev. Mr. O’Farrell, the two others 
have been completed, as we trust the 
third shall be under the protection of 
Divine Providence. 


32 

The following extract from the Catholic Herald, Phila¬ 
delphia, Aug. 17 , 1854 , shows that the corner-stone was laid 
on July 80 , 1854 : 

“The corner stone of a Catholic 
Church was laid with the usual cere¬ 
monies at Pottstown, in this State, on 
the 30th inst. (ult.), by the Very Rev- 
E- J. Sourin. The Rev. Mr. O’Farrell, 
of Phoenixville, officiates there.” 

DEDICATION 

On the day of the dedication a special train brought 
Father O’Farrel and many of his congregation from 
Phoenixville, Patrick McGill carrying the priest’s vest¬ 
ments on his arm. The choir from St. Mary’s Church 
came to furnish the music. The soprano soloists were 
Mrs. Samuel O’Neill and Miss Eliza McElhone. In the 
party were the following choir-members, who are still 
living: Miss Mary McQuade, Mrs. Bridgetina Gallagher, 
Mrs. John Gilmore, Miss Ann English and Samuel 
O’Neill. 

Peter’s Mass in D was sung, John McAlier, of Phoenix¬ 
ville, playing the melodion. The sermon was preached by 
Rev. Daniel Sheridan, of St. Michael’s Church, Philadel¬ 
phia. In the account book of Frederick S. Missimer is a 
record of $6o collected at the dedication. Mr. Mullin 
tells me that the Phoenixville people gave their contribu¬ 
tions in gold. 

The members of St. Aloysius congregation entertain¬ 
ed the visitors at their homes. At Frederick S. Missimer’s 
house the choir had dinner. 

Those who had attended the dedication were shocked 
when news came of the tragic death of Father Sheridan, 
on July 17, 1856. An excursion train carrying his Sunday 
school ran into another train on the North Penn Railroad. 
Many lives were lost. 


33 

This accident has been the date by which the dedica¬ 
tion of the church is remembered. There are two ideas as 
to the time that elapsed between the visit of Father Sheri- 
idan to Pottstown and his death. Some of those who heard 
him preach, think that he was killed only a few weeks after 
the dedication, while others assert that over a year after 
the dedication the tragic event occurred. If the for¬ 
mer contention is true the dedication was in 1856, while 
if the latter is correct the date would be 1855, or one year 
after the corner-stone laying. 3 

After the above had been sent to the printers, we re¬ 
ceived, from the Rev. Thomas C. Middleton, information 
that removes all doubt as to the date of the dedication. 
Fr. Middleton has copied from Bishop Neumann’s “Mis¬ 
sion Register” all data bearing on the Dedication of 
Churches in the Diocese of Philadelphia. The following 
extract shows that St. Alovsius’ Church was dedicated in 
1856: 

POTTSTOWN, S. ALOYSIUS.— 

Church built by Rev. Philip O’Far¬ 
rell and assistants. 

1856 [June] 22, Church blessed by Rev. 

Philip O’Farrell. 

DESCRIPTION OF OLD CHURCH 

When the church was built, the section of Hanover 
street, north of Beech street, was unopened. Few houses 
were near. Solitary, indeed, was the location, but with 
what joy did the founders go toward that plain building! 
They recall those Sunday mornings. Once more they see 
the priest upon the altar, the sunlight streaming through 
the windows upon the reverent congregation, while the 
branches of the willow tree outside wave against the win¬ 
dows—Nature’s accompaniment to the Sublime Mysteries 
taking place within the Sanctuary. 


34 


Before leaving this subject, a brief description of the 
old church might be appropriate: 

The building was a short distance back from the 
street, in the middle of the churchyard. From the gate 
in the white fence, along Beech street, a walk about 60 
feet long led through the yard to the gable end of the 
church, which was of stone, covered with plaster. 

When you entered the building, your glance, passing 
over the backs of the plain pews, separated by two aisles, 
rested upon the white-painted altar in a sanctuary enclosed 
by a railing which curved at the ends to meet the wall. 
The aisles met the curved ends of the railing. Between 
the left end of the railing and the side wall was a door 
opening into a passageway along the northern 
gable wall, back of the altar. When this door was opened 
you were confronted by the confessional in the corner. 

In the other corner back of the altar the priest vested 
for Mass in a very small sacristy, from which a door led to 
the epistle side of the sanctuary. 

The windows were of plain glass, sashes not weighted, 
sticks being placed under when air was wanted. 
Light for the evening services was furnished, at first, by 
candles, then coal-oil was used, and, lastly, gas fixtures 
were added. 

The altar of the Blessed Virgin, on the right, and the 
gallery, in the rear, were placed in the church, several 
years after the dedication. The choir, at first, occupied a 
platform in the front right hand corner. 4 

















CHAPTER IV. 

PASTORS 


St. Aloysius’ Church was at first a mission of Phoe- 
nixville. Until 1857. either Father O’Farrel, or his assist¬ 
ant, Father Quinn attended Pottstown. In the summer 
of that year the first resident pastor, Rev. J. D. Davis was 
sent here by Bishop Neumann. 1 

Although the Douglassville chapel was built prior to 
the Pottstown church, the former place was attended by 
the pastors of St. Aloysius’ Church. At first, but one 
Mass was said on a Sunday, Pottstown and Douglassville 
alternating in the service. When our parish increased, 
two Masses were said. Once or twice a month the priest 
went to Douglassville for early Mass, returning to Potts¬ 
town to say Mass at half-past ten o’clock. Toward the end 
of Father Wagner’s—and in the beginning of Father 
Gormley’s—pastorate, Mass was still said at Douglassville 
once a month until the removal of many families, when 
the service was discontinued on Sunday, although Mass 
is still said there occasionally on week-days. 

From the Sacramental register of St. Aloysius* 
Church, the following list of pastors has been prepared. 
The date of the first and last Baptism of each priest gives 
us a very close idea of the time he spent in Pottstown. 

The number of Sacraments administered by each pas¬ 
tor is an interesting index of the growth of the parish. It 
will be noticed that in a little over a year the first pastor 


S8 

administered 26 Baptisms, while from 1867 to 1871, Fa¬ 
ther Sorrenteni had a total of 157, an average of nearly 
40 per year. The development of the town, by the organi ¬ 
zation of the Pottstown Iron Company, in 1866, and the 
building of the Colebrookdale road, in 1868 and 1869, 
added to the Catholic congregation. 

Father Sorrenteni made trips among the Italian work¬ 
men on the railroad to collect from them. From the 
couples he married he obtained contributions for the 
marble statue of the Blessed Virgin, which he purchased. 

Father Sorrenteni bought a lot on Chestnut street, 
between Franklin and Evans streets, intending it to be the 
site of a future church. The deed for this property is dated 
January 5, 1871. It was conveyed by Edward S. Davies 
and his wife to Rt. Rev. James Frederic Wood, Bishop of 
this Diocese. The amount paid was $1500. 

An interval of a few months elapsed between the de¬ 
parture of Father Sorrenteni and the arrival of Rev., now 
Rt. Rev. John W. Shanahan. In that time Mass was said 
by priests from Philadelphia—Father D. O’Connor and 
Father Mulholland. 

After the Philadelphia Bridge Works was established 
here, in 1877, by Cofrode & Saylor, many Catholics came 
to Pottstown, prominent among whom was the late James 
B. Kelly, foreman of the blacksmith shop, who came to 
Pottstown in the fall of 1879. When the new church was 
built, ten years later, he collected a great deal of money 
for the building fund. Several other Catholics known to 
many of us were attracted here by the bridge works. 

During the interval of a few months, between the de¬ 
parture of Father Wagner and the appointment of Father 
Gormley, Rev. Thomas Buckley had charge of the parish. 


39 

1 o this date, thirteen priests have had charge of the 
parish, as follows: 

REV. JOHN D. DAVIS.—Ordained June io, 1854. First bap¬ 
tism in Pottstown, August 15, 1857; last baptism, August 29, 1858; 
total number of baptisms, 26; total number of marriages, 5. 

REV. WILLIAM F. COOK.—Ordained Sepember 19, 1857. 
First baptism in Pottstown, October 3, 1858; last baptism, March 9, 
1862; total number of baptisms, 56; total number of marriages, 4. 

REV. THOMAS McGOVERN.—Ordained December 27, 1861. 
First baptism in Pottstown, April 6, 1862; last baptism, December 28, 
1862; total number of baptisms, 12; total number of marriages, 2. Was 
afterwards made Bishop of the Harrisburg diocese. 

REV. L. I. MILLER.—First baptism in Pottstown, January 11, 
1863; last baptism, May 3, 1863; total number of baptisms, 5; no 
marriages. 

REV. THOMAS A. KYLE, O.S.A.—First baptism in Pottstown, 
March 13, 1863; last baptism, June 23, 1865; total number of baptisms, 
29; total number of marriages, 3. 

REV. JAMES A. MILLER.—Ordained March 11. 1838. First 
baptism in Pottstown, July 23, 1865; last baptism, July 7, 1867; total 
number of baptisms, 35; total number of marriages, 6. 

REV. C. SORRENTENI, Missionary Apostolic.—Ordained in 
Italy. First baptism in Pottstown, August n, 1867; last baptism, May 
13, 1871; total number of baptisms, 157; total number of marriages, 33. 

REV. JOHN W. SHANAHAN.—Ordained January 2, 1869. 
First baptism in Pottstown, August 21, 1871; last baptism, September 
19* 1873; total number of baptisms, 66; total number of marriages, 10. 

REV. MICHAEL A. MULLIN.—Ordained January 20, 1867. 
First baptism in Pottstown, October 31, 1873; last baptism, May 17, 
1874; total number of baptisms. 18; total number of marriages, 7. 

REV. WILLIAM A. McLOUGHLIN.—Ordained June 7, 18 73 - 
First baptism in Pottstown, June 14, 1874; last baptism, September 
26, 1878; total number of baptisms, 108; total number of marriages, 12. 

REV. GERALD P. COGHLAN.—Ordained October 18, 1872. 
First baptism in Pottstown, November 2, 1878; last baptism, August 
20, 1882; total number of baptisms, 101; total number of marriages, 17. 

REV. J. A. WAGNER.—Ordained March 15, 1874. First bap¬ 
tism in Pottstown, September 29, 1882; last baptism, 1895; total num¬ 
ber of baptisms, 861; total number of marriages, 150. 

REV. M. H. GORMLEY.—Ordained June 26, 1886. Appointed 
to Pottstown, September 1, 1895; total number of baptisms to April 
22, 1906, 652; total number of marriages to April 22, 1906, 86. 












' 








































































































































. 


































- 









































I 













. -Sll 








* 


















CHAPTER V. 


Residences of the Pastors 

For a few years after the dedication there was no 
fixed place of residence for the pastors. Father Davis, at 
first, boarded with Mrs. Leh, on High street, near 
Penn, a non-Catholic, and later took up his residence in 
the home of Frederick Missimer. Father Cook, who came 
here in 1858, boarded with James Woods, on South Char¬ 
lotte street. 

Then a separate establishment was provided. A 
house on King street, next to the present residence of Dr. 
Heffner, was rented and occupied by Father Cook. From 
there he moved to the corner of Hanover and Walnut 
streets, and later resided in the house on Hanover street 
now occupied by Mr. Daniels. This same house was the 
home of the next pastor, Father McGovern, who resided 
there during his stay of nine months. 

The two succeeding pastors boarded at John Mur¬ 
phy’s hotel. Rev. L. I. Miller made his home there dur¬ 
ing his brief stay, and then Father Kyle, who was quite old, 
resided for a time at this hotel. 

During the pastorate of Father Kyle a permanent 
home was provided for the priests. Although the Civil 
War was in progress, and financial conditions unsettled, 
Father Kyle built the first rectory. The walls of the 
church were extended on the north side, and thus the 
house was made a part of the church building. 


44 


The sacristy was provided in the new part, opening 
into the former small vesting place for the priest. Thus 
the pastor could reach the confessional and the altar with¬ 
out going out-doors. A door was made to the sacristy 
from the east side, while the front door was made on the 
side of Hanover street, which had, in the meanwhile, been 
extended from Beech street to the north. 

Father Kyle occupied this house for the remainder of 
his stay. Then, in succession, the following pastors re¬ 
sided there: Rev. James A. Miller for two years; Rev. C. 
Sorrenteni for nearly four years; Rev. John W. Shanahan, 
for about ten years; Rev. Michael A. Mullin, for about 
half a year; Rev. W. A. McLoughlin, for over four years; 
Rev. Gerald P. Coghlan for nearly four years; Rev. J. A. 
Wagner, for thirteen years, and Rev. M. H. Gormley, for 
almost three years. 

After the new church had been built, in 1891, the old 
building was left standing, and there was no immediate 
project of a rectory to correspond with the beautiful 
church. After the prosperous times, a period of industrial 
depression followed. The two largest manufacturing con¬ 
cerns failed. The P. & R. shops had been previously re¬ 
moved. 

In an unexpected manner the building of a new rec* 
tory was made necessary. On Saturday evening, February 
12, 1898, sparks from a burning building on the opposite 
side of Hanover street set fire to the roof of the rectory 
and old church. The building was badly damaged, but 
most of the contents were saved. 

At Mass, the following day, Father Gormley spoke 
about the loss. A meeting of the men of the parish was 
held that week in the hall of the C. B. L., and the pastor 
was encouraged to start a new building. Father Gorm¬ 
ley promptly secured a design for a new rectory. 


45 


In spite of the hard times, the subscriptions amounted 
to $1600. The fire loss paid by the insurance company 
was $1900. The cost of the new structure was nearly 
$5000. This left a balance of $1500 unpaid, which debt 
was assumed by the congregation. 

The walls of the old church were torn down, many 
men of the parish assisting. For their labor they charged 
nothing. Thus if their services were credited to them in 
money, the subscription to the building fund would be 
much larger. 

In the north wall of the old church was found the 
corner-stone, containing a tin box. Through the thought¬ 
fulness of Mr. J. A. Healy, this box was saved from the 
debris and preserved. 

During the construction of the new rectory a house 
on Walnut street, west of Hanover, was rented for the use 
of the pastor. Father Gormley occupied this house until 
the fall of 1898. when he moved into the completed rec¬ 
tory. 
















































• 



































































CHAPTER VI. 


e Cemetery 


In the memory of many of the congregation is the 
graveyard surrounding the old church. They will recall 
the tombstones, showing here and there in the deep green 
setting of grass and trees. There lay the earthly remains 
of the dead, forming with the living worshippers in the 
church a congregation for the Holy Sacrifice offered up 
from the altar. 

But the time arrived when another cemetery became 
a necessity. The graveyard was becoming filled. The 
building of houses and growth of the town around the 
church made the ground too valuable for a place of inter¬ 
ment. A lot on Chestnut street belonged to the congrega¬ 
tion and probably, at some future time, the entire church 
property on Beech street could be sold and a new church 
erected on Chestnut street, it being more centrally lo¬ 
cated. 

In the beginning of the year of 1882, Father Coghlan 
secured the tract of land east of the borough, which is now 
the St. Aloysius Cemetery. On March 2, 1882, the prop¬ 
erty was conveyed by A. G. Saylor and William H. Smith 
to Archbishop Wood for $785.62. 

The new cemetery is a tract of 2 acres and 99 perches, 
fronting 199 feet 3 inches on High street, and extending 
northeast nearly 700 feet. Kendall Brothers, of Reading, 
laid out the ground into lots. 



48 


At the time of this purchase the new cemetery was 
considered by some to be rather far from town. The 
eastern limit of the borough was then Adams street. In 
the vicinity of the cemetery were very few houses. No 
trolley road was in existence. Hence there were some 
who thought they would have a long journey to visit the 
graves of the departed. I remember hearing my father 
say in answer to such fears that the distance was not so 
great, for he could walk it in twenty minutes. 

On St. Joseph’s Day, 1882. the new cemetery was 
dedicated. After dinner, that Sunday, the members of St. 
Aloysius’ parish journeyed to the ground. On the wind¬ 
swept field the assemblage watched Father Coghlan per¬ 
form the ceremony of blessing the cemetery. Archbishop 
Ryan being unable to attend, had delegated Father Cogh¬ 
lan to act in his stead. 

My personal recollection of the affair is a mental 
image of the white surplices of the priest and acolytes 
against the dark background of the crowd. The candle¬ 
lights were extinguished by the wind until some men pro¬ 
vided shields of umbrellas and hats. 

The first subscribers for lots were in the order in 
which their names were recorded: 

April 2, 1882, John A. Schuyler. 

April 2, 1882, John Yohn. 

April 2, 1882, Jacob M. Yohn. 

April 2, 1882, Joseph M. Yohn. 

April 3, 1882, Michael Hannigan. 

April 10, 1882, Mary Hofman. 

April 10, 1882, Jacob Heil. 

April 10, 1882, Anton Will. 

April 10, 1882, John Lutz. 

April 10, 1882, John Selinger, Sr. 

April 2, 1882, John Selinger, Jr. 

June 2, 1882, George Sterling. 

May, 1882, Fred. S. Missimer. 

May, 1882, James McKenna. 


49 


May, 1882, John Gugerty. 

June, 1882, Aaron Fry. 

June, 1882, Lindley Bauer. 

June, 1882, James Flynn. 

June, 1882, Francis Wingert. 

June, 1882, Edward Haverty. 

All the above names in the cemetery book are in 
Father Coghlan’s handwriting. After his removal, in 
August, of 1882, the names in the book appear in the 
handwriting of his successor. Father Wagner. As there 
are so many names, we will not give them, but will leave 
the work for some historian of future years, who may 
chance upon the book. 

For the purpose of keeping the cemetery in a condi¬ 
tion required by our respect for the dead, an annual as¬ 
sessment is collected. Each lot-holder is expected to pay 
one dollar every year for this purpose.* 

At present the front of the cemetery is attaining a 
more presentable appearance by the construction of a 
handsome granite wall 








. 

















St. Aloysius' New Church, Pottstown, Pa. 
Part of the Old Church is Shown on the Left 







CHAPTER VII. 

The New Church 


For about thirty-five years, the last nine of which 
were during the pastorate of Rev. J. A. Wagner, the origi¬ 
nal church was used by the congregation. It at length 
outgrew the building. For several years the church had 
been overcrowded. The period of prosperity in Pottstown 
seemed to be favorable for the erection of a new and 
larger church. 

Father Wagner requested a parish meeting to decide 
whether a new church should be built. After Benediction, 
on a Sunday evening, in the spring of 1889, the congrega¬ 
tion remained in church. The Blessed Sacrament having 
been removed, the good pastor asked for opinions con¬ 
cerning the movement. 

We can readily imagine the feelings of many in the 
congregation upon the thought of abandoning the old 
church. Memories, very dear, were associated with this 
House of God. If those plain old walls could speak, they 
would tell of thehappy-dayof the First Communion, of mar¬ 
riages at the altar, of children at the Baptismal font, or of 
grief when the coffin of a loved one was placed at the foot 
of the altar. These and many other memories of heavy 
hearts, lightened by visits to the church, when, before the 
altar lamp a quiet hour was spent away from the cares of 
life, and the bustle of the world. 

But the old church had fulfilled its mission, and in 
spite of the most tender memories a new building was to 




53 

be erected. The congregation decided to place the new 
church in the space between the old building and Beech 
street. 

Architect P. A. Welsh, of Philadelphia, prepared 
plans and specifications, which provided for a structure 
of 55 feet front, on Hanover street, extending along 
Beech 105 feet, seating capacity, about 700. The outside 
walls were to be of Howellville, Chester county, Pennsyl¬ 
vania, rock-faced stone. 

The successful bidder for the work above the founda¬ 
tions was Irwin Sassaman, of Pottstown. On August 28, 
1889, the contract was signed for the completion of the 
building, on July 1, 1890, for the sum of $28,323. 

On the afternoon of Sunday, November 17, 1889, the 
corner-stone of the new church was laid. With the clear 
sky overhead, a dense crowd on Hanover and Beech 
streets was packed around a platform at the corner, upon 
which could be seen the surpliced priests, among whom 
wtre the pastor, Rev. J. A. Wagner; Rev. Gerald P. 
Coghlan, his predecessor; Rev. D. I. McDermott, of St. 
Mary’s Church, Philadelphia; Rev. Eugene Murphy, 
whose home had been in Pottstown before his ordination. 
By the side of the priests were the Chief Burgess and 
members of Town Council. On the platform were also 
many prominent Catholics from other parishes. 

Father Coghlan, acting for Archbishop Ryan, laid 
the corner-stone. Father McDermott delivered an elo¬ 
quent sermon, in which he referred to the great benefit 
the church would be to the congregation. Then he dwelt 
upon the Catholic Church having Christ for its corner¬ 
stone. Continuing, he said: 

“More than a mere work of Christ, the laying of this stone is a 
promise that the great work of saving precious human souls is carried 
on still, just as really as when He Himself lived and moved among 
the hills of Judea, and ministered personally for man’s salvation. 


54 

“He will live here just as truly in His divine doctrine, teaching 
and Sacramental Presence as He did then, when a simple “I will, be 
thou whole” proved His personal presence.” 

Father McDermott then paid the following tribute to 
the pastor: 

“But, while the work of erecting this monument to God is a 
great and good one, it is also most arduous and laborious, and an 
exceedingly heavy tax on him who undertakes it. It requires a priest 
of sound judgment, persevering industry and indomitable will. Provi¬ 
dence has kindly supplied this congregation with such. Who that 
knows him knows of his earnestness, how he has consecrated himself 
to the work and has labored earnestly and long. Like the wise man, 
he has set himself down and counted the cost, and having laid his 
plans, is rapidly completing them.” 

From the Pottstown Daily News of November 18, 
1889, the following details about the corner s'tone have 
been obtained: 

The stone is a handsome block of Indiana limestone, 
2 feet 4 inches long; 1 foot wide and 1 foot high. 

The contents are as follows: 

One copy of the Catholic Standard. 

One copy of the Washington Star, giving an account of the Cath¬ 
olic Congress in Baltimore. 

Three copies of the Daily News. 

United States coins from denomination of one cent to one dollar, 
dated 1889. 

Names of the 

President of the United States 

Governor of Pennsylvania 

Burgess of Pottstown 

Architect 

Contractor 

Master Mason 

Builder of the Tower 

Pope Leo XIII 

Archbishop Ryan 

Rev. J. A. Wagner 

Instead of being completed in a year, the work ex¬ 
tended over two years. The contract did not cover sev- 


55 

eral details, the addition of which brought the cost to 
nearly $50,000. 

It is unnecessary to tell how the money was raised 
to pay for the edifice. That task is a certainty to a zealous 
pastor and a sympathetic congregation. Self-denial and 
hard work are borne with cheerfulness, and the memory 
of struggles is over when the result is obtained. 

At half past ten o’clock, Sunday morning, December 
20, 1891, the church was dedicated by Archbishop Ryan. 
After the blessing of the exterior and interior of the build¬ 
ing, Solemn High Mass was sung, Rev. Anthony Wagner, 
a brother of the pastor, being the celebrant. 

The music was rendered by a quartette from Phila¬ 
delphia, consisting of Miss Jennie McKeon, leader; Miss 
Kathryn McGuckin, Mr. Walter Hogan and Mr. George 
Spiel. Hart’s orchestra of eight pieces, also of Philadel¬ 
phia, furnished the instrumental music. Hayden’s Mass 
in C was sung. 

As at the corner-stone laying, two years before, Rev. 
D. I. McDermott preached the sermon. Again the audi¬ 
ence listened, spellbound. In his discourse, Father Mc¬ 
Dermott explained the motive behind the ceremonies of 
the Catholic service, which, to non-Catholics, seem but 
empty show. The belief in the Real Presence was shown 
to be the source of all these apparently meaningless cere¬ 
monies. The doctrine that the priests, through power, 
received from Christ, change bread and wine into His 
Body and Blood, was proven from the Scriptures and from 
the history of the Church since its founding. One of the 
illustrations is as follows: 

“Why is it to-day that the people give their richest and best to 
the church, and why is it that to-day we find in the treasuries of 
cathedrals and churches chalices of the purest gold, set with precious 
gems? Simply because those people believed what we believe—that 
Jesus. Christ would dwell in their tabernacles and that, in the same 


56 

spirit that the wise men of the East brought gold and incense to the 
infant Saviour, the people adorn these houses with gold and silver 
in the hope of making them worthy of His presence.” 

The speaker summed up the historical proofs in the 
following passage: 

‘‘Thus, to-day, in this church, from this altar, we can look back 
into centuries and view the lamps and tabernacles which have been 
to thousands of our forefathers, and are to thousands of Catholics 
to-day, sacred, and inspire a spirit of reverence and devotion which 
only the presence of God can demand, and which is nowhere found 
as in the Catholic Church.” 

Having proved that the Word of God is the founda¬ 
tion of our faith, Father McDermott continued: 

“Is it any w'onder that throughout the Christian world temples, 
rich and magnificent as this, have sprung up; temples which people 
in their love and generosity have reared?” 

At the conclusion of the sermon, Archbishop Ryan 
made a brief address, paying a high tribute to the pastor 
and members of the church for their work now completed. 
However, His Grace added, that until the structure was 
free from debt it would not be entirely God’s house, urg¬ 
ing the people to persevere, for the Divine reward, to 
clear the encumberance. 

About four years after the dedication Father Wag¬ 
ner was transferred by Archbishop Ryan to Phoenixville, 
By that time the debt upon the church was $4600. 







































<1 



































CHAPTER VIII. 

The Parish Debt Association 


A few years after the dedication of the church the 
prosperous conditions in Pottstown began to wane. The 
two principal industries failed and many men were thrown 
out of employment. St. Aloysius’ congregation lost many 
members by death and removal from town. During this 
period of depression the church revenues fell off and 
there was no possibility of reducing the debt on the 
church. 

In 1900 the industrial condition of Pottstown began 
to improve. In that year the McClintic-Marshall Construc¬ 
tion Company purchased the plant of Cofrode & Saylor. 
The new firm, by extraordinary energy, is taking front 
rank with structural iron producers. The works have ex¬ 
panded, and now about 700 men are employed. Other in¬ 
dustries have located here. Thus good times are once 
more prevailing in Pottstown. 

With the return of good times, Father Gormley be¬ 
gan the work of reducing the debt on the church property. 
In 1901 the Parish Debt Society was organized, to pay off 
the debt on the church by means of monthly contributions 
from the members. The society, at present, numbers 
about 500. The collectors, at this time, are: 

George Conrad, 

.Sarah A. Clemmer, 

Bernard Dunn, 

James D. Gorman, 




59 


James H. S. Griess, 
Charles Normandin, 
Frank Missimer, 
Frank Miller, 
William Raidy, 
Jonas Schwoyer, 

W. B. Schuyler, 
James W. Welsh, 
Irvin F. Wummer, 
Mrs. Wentzel, 
Adolph Wilke, 
Francis J. Ziegler. 


Since its inception, the society has raised about $5000, 
paying off the debt of $1500 on the rectory and reducing 
the church debt, on January 1, 1906, to $1000. 















CHAPTER IX. 

Pottstown s Representatives in the Priesthood 


St. Aloysius’ congregation has contributed the follow¬ 
ing six priests to the Church: 

REV. JOSEPH WOODS, S.J.—Professor of ecclesiastical his¬ 
tory in Woodstock College, Maryland. He is a son of James Woods, 
deceased, one of the founders of St. Aloysius’ Church. 

REV. EUGENE M. MURPHY.—Ordained May 20, 1888. Rec¬ 
tor of St. John the Baptist’s Church, Manayunk. His father was 
John Murphy, now dead, one of the original congregation. 

REV. JOSEPH C. PIANNIGAN.—Ordained January 6, 1892. 
Assistant rector of St. Ann’s Church, Philadelphia. His father, John 
Hannigan, now dead, was one of the builders of St. Paul’s Chapel, 
Douglassville. 

REV. PETER KELLY.—Ordained September, 1895. Rector of 
the church at Oxford, N. J., diocese of Trenton. While not a native 
of Pottstown, Father Kelly’s home was here for several years previous 
to his ordination. His father was the late James B. Kelly, who came 
here in 1879. 

REV. FRANCIS J. WELSH.—Ordained June 9, 1900. Rector 
of Church of the Sacred Heart, Harrisburg, diocese of Harrisburg. 
His father was John B. Welsh (now deceased), one of the congre¬ 
gation of fifty years ago. 

REV. HENRY C. SCHUYLER, S.T.L.—Ordained December 
16, 1903. Assistant rector of St. Patrick’s Church, Norristown. He 
is a son of the late John A. N. Schuyler. 




Notes to Chapter 1 


J A 11 the references to local history are taken from the “History 
of Pottstown,” by L. H. Davis. 

^Pennsylvania Archives, Vol XVII. This volume contains lists 
of the foreigners taking the oath of allegiance required prior to the 
Revolution. All males over sixteen years of age were obliged to take 
this oath and declaration as soon after their arrival as possible, being 
marched to the court house, or were sometimes qualified at the offi¬ 
cial residence of the magistrate. Among the record of the immi¬ 
grants brought on the ship “Francis and Elizabeth,” from Rotterdam, 
who qualified on September 21, 1742, we find Melchior Schaner. This 
name has been spelled in various ways: Schaner, Schoner, Shiner and, 
at present, Shaner. Anna and Catherine Schoner had several brothers, 
whose descendants are very numerous. We have no evidence that the 
brothers were Catholics. 

3 The description of Mrs. Jones’ property, and reference to her 
faith, are based on statements of A. K. Shaner, who being now 71 
years old is an authority on matters of the history of early inhabitants 
of Pottstown. 

4 Record of her descendants. 

sHer will, recorded in Will Book No. 3, p. 538, in the Register 
of Wills’ office, Norristown, Pa. 

Statement of Jacob M. Yohn, from his recollection. 

7 Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. XVII. In the list of foreigners 
“imported on the ship ‘Two Brothers’ ” from Rotterdam, and qualify¬ 
ing September 21, 1751, are three names: Johan Jacob Molsberger, 
Johannes Molsberger and William Molsberger. The first mentioned 
is evidently the one who married Catherine Schoner, as Mr. A. K. 
Shaner says that she married John Malsberger, but in the Goshen- 
hoppen records (quoted later) the husband’s name is Jacob. This 
name has been spelled in several ways: Molsberger, Maulsberger, 
Maltzberger and, at present, Malsberger. 

8 The Sacramental Register of Goshenhoppen, entitled: “Book of 
those Baptized, Married and Buried at Philadelphia, in Cushenhop- 
pen, Maxetani, Magunschi, Tulpehaken, etc. Begun Anno Domini 
1741.” Translation published in the Records of the American Catholic 
Historical Society. 

9 The description of this property, sold in 1812 by the executors 
of Jacob Maulsberger, shows it to be bounded by the land of John 
Schoner, Peter Richards, David Potts, Jacob Mauger, Chas. Mauger, 



63 

Christian Bliem, Valentine Steltz. The western boundary of the tract 
was the Swamp road (Charlotte street). 

^Pennsylvania Archives, Vol 14, page 44. 

“Same, Vol. 14, page 331. 

I2 Same, Vol. 15, page 513. 

* 3 Deed described in Note 9. 

MThe will of Jacob Maulsberger, probated 1805, made the follow¬ 
ing disposition of his property: One-third to his wife, Catherine; 100 
shillings to his son Joseph; 150 shillings to his daughter Elizabeth. 
The residue was to be divided into seven equal shares, one share to 
be given to each of the following: His son Jacob; his daughter Cath¬ 
erine’s children; his daughter Susanna’s children; his daughter Peggy; 
his daughter Mary; his daughter Elizabeth; his son Joseph. The 
value of his personal property was £1389 4s. 8d. The real estate sold 
in 1812 for $12,358.50. 

^Information from my mother, who is a granddaughter of Jacob 
Malsberger 2d. His sister Catherine married- Obold, and re¬ 

moved to Conewago, Pa. 

^From Dr. John Gilmary Shea’s “History of the Catholic Church 
in America.” 

l6 See note 8. Pottstown Catholics will be interested to learn that 
the first entry in Father Schneider’s Sacramental Register is of a bap¬ 
tism, in 1741, at the house of a John Utzman, at Falkner’s Swamp, 
about five miles north of Pottstown. 

^Elizabeth Malsberger told my mother that the early Catholics, 
having no church of their own to attend, sometimes accompanied 
their non-Catholic friends to worship. 

l8 Mother tells me that Father Bally, on his way from Goshen- 
hoppen to Philadelphia, frequently stopped at the house of John 
Yohn, my mother’s father. This priest was a great friend of Father 
Barbelin, of Philadelphia. Mother recalls a time when Father Bar- 
belin, having come to her home with Father Bally, gave her a small 
picture, which she prized very highly. 


Notes to Chapter 2 

information furnished by Mrs. Daniel Healy, whose parents were 
among the original settlers. 

information of John Foreman. 

3 Article of A. K. Shaner in the “Pottstown Ledger.” 

4 john Donnelly ran the first engine imported from England for 
the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad. He was killed on the railroad 
at Neversink three years before the building of the church. He was 
the father of Mrs. Sarah Kelly. 





64 

sMrs. Katherine Rigney informed me that her father, Anthony 
Dunn, took the family to Douglassville on a “manual lever.” She 
described her pleasure in going on such a trip. 

6 Article by T. E. Mullin in the “Phoenixville Republican,” March 
9 « 1903 - 


Notes to Chapter 3 

information of John Foreman and Frank Ziegler. 

2 After the old church and rectory were damaged by fire in 1898, 
the laborers tearing down the walls discovered the cornerstone in the 
north wall. They threw the tin box contained in the stone upon a heap 
of debris, from which it was rescued by J. Allen Healy, who preserved 
it for its historical value. 

In the copy of the “Catholic Observer” placed in the corner¬ 
stone is a list of those who had paid subscriptions in advance. Among 
that number is the name of Robert Gue, of Pottstown. 

3T0 determine the date of the dedication, files of the “Catholic 
Herald and Visitor” for 1855 and 1856 have been carefully scanned, 
as well as Catholic magazines of that time, but with no success. Rev. 
Edward J. Curran, a student at St. Charles’ Seminary, has furnished 
me with the following extracts from the “Catholic Almanac,” pub¬ 
lished in the beginning of the years 1854, 1855 and 1856. 

In the issue for 1854: “Pottstown, Berks Co.—Visited by Rev. 
Philip O’Farrell, of Phoenixville.” 

In the issue of 1855: “Montgomery Co.—Pottstown (church be¬ 
ing built)—attended from Phoenixville. 

In the issue of 1856: “Montgomery Co.—Pottstown, St. Aloysius 
—attended from Phoenixville.” 

For the matter in relation to the Phoenixville visitors on the day 
of the dedication I am indebted to Mr. T. E. Mullin, of Phoenixville. 

information received from my mother. 


Notes to Chapter 4 

J The title of the earliest records of St. Aloysius’ Church is “Bap¬ 
tismal Register of St. Aloysius' Church, Pottstown, August 1, 1857. 
J. D. Davis (First Resident Pastor).” 
information from my mother. 


Notes to Chapter 5 

x My mother furnished data about the residences of the first pas¬ 
tors. She was instructed for her first communion by Father Davis. 



































JUN 





















